Smithsonian little explorer : introducing primary sources

The U.S. flag has stood as a symbol of freedom since America was founded. Using primary sources, young readers learn the story behind this treasured symbol from the people who were there.

The U.S. constitution was signed over two hundred years ago, and it still protects American citizens today. Using primary sources, young readers learn the story behind this American symbol from the people who were there.

The Liberty Bell has been a symbol of basic American rights since before the Revolutionary War. It has remained a treasured symbol, prominently used during the height of the civil rights movement and as a key American symbol of liberty. Using primary sources, readers learn the story behind the Liberty Bell from those who have used it.

The Pledge of Allegiance was first written more than two hundred years ago to celebrate Columbus Day. Since then, it has grown into a treasured American symbol. Using primary sources, readers learn the story behind the Pledge of Allegiance from the people who were there.

Francis Scott Key wrote the poem that became our country's national anthem in celebration of America's surprise victory over Britain in the War of 1812. It was sung for more than a century before it became our country's official national anthem in 1931. Using primary sources, readers learn the story behind how the poem became a song and then a national anthem that is sung to this day.

The Liberty Bell has been a symbol of basic American rights since before the Revolutionary War. It has remained a treasured symbol, prominently used during the height of the civil rights movement and as a key American symbol of liberty. Using primary sources, young readers learn the story behind the Liberty Bell from those who have used it.